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Patch testing in an aged population without dermatitis: high prevalence of patch test positivity

H C Mangelsdorf¹, A B Fleischer, E F Sherertz

¹Department of Dermatology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1071, USA.

American Journal of Contact Dermatitis : Official Journal of the American Contact Dermatitis Society

|September 1, 1996

Summary

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Older adults without dermatitis show a higher prevalence of positive patch test results compared to younger individuals. This suggests cumulative allergen exposure may influence aged skin’s immune response.

Area of Science:

Dermatology
Immunology
Gerontology

Background:

Epidermal immune function naturally declines with age.
Understanding age-related changes in skin immunity is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate patch test reactivity prevalence in healthy aged individuals.
To compare reactivity in aged versus younger healthy populations.

Main Methods:

Patch testing using the North American Contact Dermatitis Group standard tray.
Inclusion of 82 healthy older volunteers (68-87 years) and 41 younger volunteers (mean age 24).
Administration of a questionnaire on cutaneous symptoms to all participants.

Main Results:

37% of older adults exhibited positive patch tests versus 15% in the younger group (P = .01).

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Common allergens in older adults included balsam of Peru, fragrance, neomycin, and nickel.

Severe pruritus correlated with positive patch tests for balsam of Peru and nickel.

Conclusions:

A significant prevalence of positive patch tests exists in aged individuals without dermatitis.
Factors like cumulative exposure and altered skin absorption may contribute to heightened reactivity.
Patch test interpretation in the elderly requires careful consideration of past allergen exposure.